City communications
Hampshire's first 'Project Gigabit' customer connects to CityFibre's full fibre network
28 April 2025
Project Gigabit
Bringing gigabit speed connectivity to hard-to-reach areas #
CityFibre are a proud delivery partner of Project Gigabit, the UK government’s programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband.
What is Project Gigabit? #
Project Gigabit is the UK government’s programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband.
The fast, reliable connections delivered by Project Gigabit will benefit mostly rural and remote communities across the UK.
Project Gigabit is managed by Building Digital UK (BDUK), an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
You can find out more on the government’s Building Digital UK GOV.UK page.
Check your availability today #
Please note, more recently announced locations may not show an accurate result until our surveys are complete. You can still register your interest and we will keep you updated.
How is CityFibre involved? #
As the UK’s largest, independent full fibre network, we already serve millions of premises in cities, towns and villages nationwide. This makes our platform ideal for expansion into many rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The cost to serve harder-to-reach areas is often prohibitively high though. In our nine Project Gigabit contract award areas, UK government subsidise our build costs based on their careful assessment of premises that would otherwise get left behind. Thanks to this funding support, we're able to make a meaningful difference to communities that have long-since deserved much better broadband.
How our network is different #
The modern fibre-only network we’re building is different from all existing infrastructure serving the area. It’s built from scratch to be faster and more reliable. Homes and businesses will have access to low latency, symmetrical services of up to 2.5Gbps, with the network itself capable of up to 10Gbps in future.
Broadband packages are provided and supported by well-known internet service providers, as well as a range of fresh names - often with something special to offer.
Joining our network #
If we could build it overnight, we would, but these things take time. As we build, we’ll do our best to make sure everyone knows what to expect, when to expect it and where they can order from.
If you’re a resident or run a business in the area, it’s a good idea to check your address on our website from time to time in case plans change. We also recommend registering your interest with us – especially if you’re keen to benefit from your new network as soon as it's available.
Projects Underway #
Excluding Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire (an additional contract we've taken over recently), our Project Gigabit contract awards (below) represent over £865m in government subsidies - underpinning a rollout to over 1.3 million subsidised and commercial premises. As of February 2025, build had begun in all areas, with over 20,000 subsidised premises ready for service and live services available in five out of our nine project areas.
In February 2023, CityFibre was awarded the £69 million Project Gigabit contract to provide gigabit-capable broadband to up to 45,000 hard-to-reach premises in Cambridgeshire and adjacent areas. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in February 2024 and first connections went live in July 2024. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
This work in Cambridgeshire extends the infrastructure we’ve been building in the area since 2018, including Peterborough, Cambridge, March, Whittlesey and Yaxley.
In June 2023, CityFibre was awarded the £104 million Project Gigabit contract to connect around 76,000 hard-to-reach premises across Hampshire, including East Hampshire, Rushmoor and Test Valley. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in June 2024 and live services became available in December 2024. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
CityFibre will also back existing work ongoing across Hampshire to protect biodiversity, support rewilding and stimulate conservation. This includes grants to local charities and making over a thousand hours of environmental volunteering opportunities available to CityFibre and supply chain employees.
This work in Hampshire extends the infrastructure we’ve been building in the area since 2019, including Portsmouth and more recently Havant.
In June 2023, CityFibre was awarded the £114 million Project Gigabit contract to connect around 62,000 hard-to-reach premises across Norfolk, including Buxton, Castle Acre and Horning. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in March 2024 and first connections went live in September 2024. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
CityFibre will also provide internships for local people, as well as apprenticeship opportunities and work experience placements for local students undertaking Construction and Digital T-levels.
This work in Norfolk extends the infrastructure we’ve been building in the area since 2021, including Norwich, and more recently Great Yarmouth.
In June 2023, CityFibre was awarded the £100 million Project Gigabit contract to connect around 80,000 hard-to-reach premises across Suffolk, including Icklingham, Mellis and Ringshall. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in April 2024 and first connections went live in December 2024. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
CityFibre will also connect a minimum of 30 community centres for free and donate to local charities working to connect people, tackle loneliness and reduce health inequalities through innovative digital solutions.
This work in Suffolk extends the infrastructure we’ve been building in Suffolk since 2020, including Ipswich, Bury St Edmonds and Lowestoft.
In January 2024, CityFibre was awarded the £58 million Project Gigabit contract to connect over 34,000 hard-to-reach premises across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and East Berkshire, including Cookham, Quainton and Potten End. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in October 2024 with first connections expected to go live soon. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
CityFibre will also work with local organisations to bring value to local communities in areas such as education, skills development, local job creation, and workforce equality.
This work in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and East Berkshire extends the infrastructure we’ve already been building in the area, including Slough, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Reading and High Wycombe.
In January 2024, CityFibre was awarded the £71million Project Gigabit contract to connect over 38,000 hard-to-reach premises across Leicestershire and Warwickshire, including Sheepy Magna and Claverdon. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in December 2024 with first connections expected to go live in 2025. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
CityFibre will also work with local organisations to bring value to local communities in areas such as education, skills development, local job creation, and workforce equality.
This work in Leicestershire and Warwickshire extends the infrastructure we’ve been building in the area since 2018, including Coventry, Leicester and Rugby.
In January 2024, CityFibre was awarded the £100 million Project Gigabit contract to connect over 52,000 hard-to-reach premises across East and West Sussex, including Framfield and Fittleworth. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in January 2025 with first connections expected to go live later this year. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
CityFibre will also work with local organisations to bring value to local communities in areas such as education, skills development, local job creation, and workforce equality.
This work in East and West Sussex extends the infrastructure we’ve been building in the area since 2019, including Worthing, Chichester and Eastbourne.
In January 2024, CityFibre was awarded the £112 million Project Gigabit contract to connect over 50,000 hard-to-reach premises across Kent, including Bossingham and Lower Upnor. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in January 2025 with first connections expected to go live later this year. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
We will also work with local organisations to bring value to local communities in areas such as education, skills development, local job creation, and workforce equality.
This work in Kent extends the infrastructure we’ve been building in the unitary authority of Medway since 2020, including Chatham and Gillingham.
In January 2024, CityFibre was awarded the £51 million Project Gigabit contract to connect over 25,000 hard-to-reach premises across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, including Great and Little Addington and Marston St Lawrence. These initial numbers are subject to alteration as the project matures. They also exclude CityFibre's plans to expand its commercial network footprint in the region.
Build started under this contract in December 2024 with first connections expected to go live in 2025. Overall the project will take approximately five years to complete.
CityFibre will also work with local organisations to bring value to local communities in areas such as education, skills development, local job creation, and workforce equality.
This work in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes extends the infrastructure we’ve been building in the area since 2018, including Milton Keynes and Northampton.
CityFibre Community Fund #
The CityFibre Community Fund supports digital inclusion, innovation and community engagement in Project Gigabit areas and is currently seeking new non-profit organisations to join its portfolio of funded partners.
Fund objectives #
- Promote digital inclusion: support projects that help bridge the digital divide, particularly for vulnerable and under-represented groups, including low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
- Foster digital innovation: encourage initiatives that drive technological innovation, enhance digital literacy, and promote access to technology in ways that address local challenges.
- Support local communities: respond to community-specific needs identified by local residents, focusing on improving digital access and services that impact daily life.
- Volunteering & community engagement: create opportunities for CityFibre employees and the wider community to engage in meaningful volunteer work that aligns with CityFibre and builds goodwill in the community.
Fund structure #
The CityFibre Community Fund itself is divided into two primary programmes that work together to meet community needs and enhance social value:
- Small Grants: offers funding of up to £1,500 to community projects that address digital barriers impacting local communities. This programme is centrally run and designed to provide small 'one-off' small grants with a rolling application.
- Large Grants: a larger, more localised grant programme that supports initiatives addressing systemic and strategic issues of digital innovation and inclusion.
Project Gigabit news #
All our related news and announcements in one place
Project Gigabit
Full speed ahead: CityFibre's build now underway in all Project Gigabit areas
20 January 2025
City communications
'Project Gigabit' work begins in Kent to connect rural areas to full fibre
20 January 2025
City communications
'Project Gigabit' work begins in Sussex to connect rural areas to full fibre
9 January 2025
Project Gigabit
‘Project Gigabit' work begins in Leicestershire and Warwickshire to connect rural areas to full fibre
19 December 2024
Project Gigabit
‘Project Gigabit' work begins in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes to connect rural areas to full fibre
17 December 2024
Project Gigabit
First 'Project Gigabit' customers in Suffolk connect to CityFibre's full fibre network
12 December 2024
Project Gigabit
Work begins on Project Gigabit rollout to 150,000 homes across East Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire
24 October 2024
Partners
CityFibre helps to inspire next generation of digital innovators with STEM Learning partnership
21 October 2024
Frequently asked questions
More about the project and how to get in touch
About CityFibre
Find out more about what we do and how we go about it
How we build
How we build past your property and install our full fibre network
Responsible Business
How we're doing right by people, society and the planet we share